Rhythms of Change: the Washington Waldorf School

Abstract

Juhani Pallasmaa writes, "We have the mental need to experience the reality that we are rooted in the continuity of time and in the man-made world, it is the task of architecture to facilitate this experience." (Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses, p. 22) It is the intent of this thesis to investigate how to facilitate this experience through conscious perception and active participation in the changes that occur in a building over the course of a day and through environmental cycles. Participating, both physically and mentally, in the changes that occur around and within the built environment create a dynamic and engaging environment that allows people to further their enjoyment and delight in being in the space. This thesis investigates these ideas through the programmatic elements and educational ideas of The Washington Waldorf School and the site conditions of a "transition site" between Rock Creek Park and the Woodly Park area of Washington DC.